Jeannette P. Lei, age 79, of Ashland made her trip into Heaven on December 12, 2017 while surrounded by her famLei in Miles City, Montana. She had spent the last few months with her daughter Jayme and her family.
Jeannette was born in Belcourt, North Dakota on December 21, 1937, the daughter of Fred and Elsie LaFountain. She moved with her parents to Lodge Grass, Montana where she went to school and then later she moved to Colorado to live with her aunt and uncle Mary Louise and Fred Cristler. Upon her return to Lodge Grass, she met the father of her three oldest children Mervin, Debbie and John. Jeannette then attended Acme Beauty College in Billings, Montana. After graduation, she moved to Wyoming to work. In 1965, she decided to move herself and her three small children to Ashland, Montana where she went to work at Cow Country Café. While working in Ashland she met the love of her life, Jim Lei. In 1967 Jim and Jeannette were married, and as the kids often would say “This is when we married Jim.” As the kids grew up, the Lei Ranch became a second home to many other kids including her niece Sheri Havener who became one of her own. In August of 1977, Angel was born to John and Grace then wound up being Jeannette and Jim’s girl. Then in 1980, God blessed Jim and Jeannette with a daughter, Jayme.
Her famLei was the most important to her. She valued any opportunity to spend time with her famLei as a gift and a blessing, especially during hunting season and the holidays. Easter was her favorite holiday due to the special meaning and being able to spend the entire day with all her famLei, friends and neighbors. Jeannette was an active woman, from owning her own beauty shop “The Magic Mirror” in Ashland to being on many different committees and boards. Her active community participation included the Ashland school boards, I.D.E.A., and being a founding member of the Ashland Clinic. One of her highlights during an IDEA conference was getting the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush. Being active on so many boards allowed her to travel, and seeing new places was one of Jeanette’s favorite things to do. Bowling was another favorite pastime. Her bowling skills took her on many adventures as well. She loved watching basketball, playing card games, and being a part of the weekly bridge games that the ladies had on those long winter days. During the hot summers, she would often get hired to work on the Diamond Butte lookout when she wasn’t out helping Jim on the ranch. She enjoyed yard sales. Rarely passed one by, and Oh, the treasures she would find. When August would come around, she was ready to go to Crow Fair and set up camp with her brother and sister-in-law. The stories that have come from those summers at camp meeting new people and all the beautiful jewelry they had.
Jeannette was not only our mother, she was the best grandma, great grandma, friend, neighbor and wife that has touched our world. Her greatest gifts were her children: Debbie (Larry) Cady, John (Karla) Lei, Sherri (Jay) Havener, Angel (Danny) Becker and Jayme (Eric) Lepisto; eighteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren. Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, her son Mervin, her grandson Taylor and her brother Eddie. A special thank you to Dr. Rauh and Martha Burton for the care they gave Jeannette.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the St. Labre Mission in Ashland followed by a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Souring Eagle Gymnasium in Ashland. Interment will follow in the Lei Family Cemetery as Ashland. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Erin’s Hope Project www.erinshopeproject.org
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 17, 2017
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 18, 2017
Soaring Eagle Gymnasium
Ashland, Montana 59003
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 17, 2017
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday December 18, 2017
Soaring Eagle Gymnasium
Ashland, Montana 59003
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Tammy Schoenbeck says
So sorry for your loss, she was an AMAZING lady. You are in my thoughts & prayers Deb & the rest of the FamLei
Shayla Hagen says
So sorry to hear you have lost Jeannette, Mom, Grandma, and friend to many of us. She gave a valiant fight to stay as long as she could, but is now with Jim, and in no pain. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and will be missed. Shayla Hagen
Lyman and Leslie says
So sorry for your lost. Prayers to you all.
Sandy Rabe says
Jayme and family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May the memories you have give you comfort and knowing she is with your Dad give you peace. God Bless you all.
Shirley Skinner says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeanette was truly on of the most caring, sweet, and loving people I know. I always enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her. Her soft spoken and gentle ways made her a friend to many. She will leave a hole in many hearts with her passing. Condolences, hugs and prayers to the family.
Mae & Mike says
So sorry to hear of your loss of Jeannette. She was one awesome lady, I’ll never forget the fun times we had when I worked for her. My prayers for each of you.
Pam Kania says
I am very glad to have known Jeanette!
She always seemed to be looking at the positive side of things!
I will be grieving right along side of you.
I send you lots of hugs and my love.
Pam
Vonnie Shannon says
Sorry to read this about Jeanette. She always had time to stop& visit. Vonnie Shannon
Deb McClaren says
So sorry to hear about losing Jeanette. What a special lady she was. Always had a smile on her face.I will miss her dearly.
Roger/Lisa Gaskill says
Debbie, John, Angel, Jayme and families we are so saddened to hear that Jeanette is gone. She was a fixture in our community, just as your dad was, for all of us. What a great lady. Enjoy your memories of her and know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Carol Bailey says
I am so sad for you and your family. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed by many.
Curtis and Sally says
So sorry for your loss. What a kind, lovely woman who always had a warm greeting. Condolences and prayers from me and Sally.
Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Deepest Condolences to the Lei Family
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your wonderful Jeanette. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will be missed. May God’s love give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time and the hard day’s ahead.
Cheryl Klemp says
So sorry to hear about Jeannette. She will be missed. I rember her when she has her beauty shop and did my moms hair. RIP
Pat & Bob Corbin says
Our sincere condolences to Jeanette’s family. What a wonderful lady she was. She always knew us and visited like we seen her every day. She will be missed in the Ashland Community.
Tom and Judy Collins. says
We were very sorry to hear ofJeanette’s passing. She use to bowl on Mondays with us gals and always enjoyed being around her. A great lady!
Patsy Brey Houseman says
So sorry for your loss, Debbie, John, Angel, Jayme and families. Jeanette was a great lady and will be missed by all.
Spencer, Misty and I remember the good times we all had at the grade school basketball games. May God be with you Jeanette.
Don Neese says
Jayme, Debbie, Johnny, and Angel and family. Jeanette was an awesome lady she always opened her home and heart whenever we visited. Just think of the reunion that must be taking place with Jeanette, Jim, Sam, Clara and Rosa. I hope Merv don’t take over and do all the talking. LOL. What a reunion! I will miss her. God bless to you all in this trying time.
Randy & Aletta Shannon says
To all of Jeanette’s family~
She always had a smile and pleasant to visit with. May your precious memories help ease your sorrow. We know she is at peace with Jim.
Our sincerest sympathy~
Dottie Johnstone says
So sorry to hear this nice lady. Prayers are on the way.
Roger Gamble and Family says
Jayme, Debbie, Johnny, and Angel and familei. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!! She will dearly be missed by all. Her smile and cheerful attitude. We will always forever remember her saving day with Krew with the stuck toilet seat on his head (Had to be there). She saved his life…..but yet very funny!!! We love you all very much!!!
Curt & Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
To all the Lei family, our thoughts are with you…
Oralei Hoffman says
Jayme, Deb, Johnny, and Angel
So sorry for your loss, Jeannette was a very special “aunt” and we will all miss her caring ways. Bless you always
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Dear Family,
Chris and I are so sorry to hear of your loss, we send a special prayer to all of you as you go through this hard time. Jeanette was beautiful inside and out, may God’s peace and comfort be with you all.
Chris and Diana Elwood
Bert & Helen Woods says
FamLei,
So sorry for your loss. Jeanette was an awesome woman. She will be missed by many.
Skip Madison says
RIP Jeannette
Twila (Lei) Meyers says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I met Jeanette many years ago at a family reunion. My dad was Robert Lei and he was related to Jim. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
irvin farr says
Condolences to the large close knit family jeannette has left behind.
Scott and Helen Schonenbach says
So sorry for your lost. So many memories we have of her, from serving on APS school board, the community, and the clinic. Jeannette was a wise, classy lady. She will be missed by so many.
Ray Hart Jr says
Sorry for your lost RIP Jeannette.
Andrita Harris says
Jayme, Deb, John and Lei Family
So sorry to hear about Jeanette, she was a great lady; loving, caring. Sending you our condolences to all of you. She is at piece now, sounded by Jim and Merv.
Dorothy, Andrita Harris
Billy, Dylan Tegan Harris
and Chas
Patty Kay Brien says
So sorry for your loss. . Jeanette was an amazing lady.. You’re all in my prayers..
Terry Hockenbary says
My condolences to the famLei. Although I never met Jeanette, I always knew that she was a very special lady. I knew John very well through IBEW meetings. Ironically, my own mother passed the same day, and I know all of your pain. Treasure each memory of Jeanette.
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
Deb, John, Angel, and Jayme – Your mother was an amazing woman and she will be missed terribly. Always had a kind word and a smile. Thinking of you all
Daisy Thompson says
To the family of Jeannette, So sorry for your loss. I always admired her wisdom and energy. She made things happen. Larry and Daisy
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
To the Famlei,
Jeanette will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was an amazing woman. Keep the memories close. Hugs to you all!
Patt Iron Cloud & Matt Runs Through says
Dear Karla and John and all the family, you have a very beautiful angel watching over you now. It saddens me to know you are crying tears of sorrow for your loving Momma Jeannette. I love you and I am praying for comfort from the All Mighty for you all. Families truly are forever, even the grave won’t be able to contain your loving Momma because of Christ’s Resurrection. Your darling Momma will come forth on the morning of the first resurrection bathed in sunlight and eternal life, never to die again. Hugs and Love Sent dearest Karla and John and Family. Patt and Matt ?
Jay & Carla Johnson says
Our heart goes out to all the family. She was a beautiful, caring woman who loved her family very deeply. Losing a loved one is very hard but you have the memories to get you through until you meet again. God bless you all.
Steve & Lucy Jessen says
Jayme and FamLei: Your mom was one of Ashland’s ‘movers and shakers’. We’ll remember Jeanette as a woman of great wisdom. But perhaps her greatest quality was that she was a counselor and encourager of those in the front lines of bringing change to the community. Her legacy includes you, her children, and the impact she had on all our lives. Our prayers are for your comfort in your sadness and joy in knowing that her amazing spunk and spirit lives in you.
Ivan says
Losing a family member or friend is so difficult. We can find comfort from our merciful god Jehovah and the beautiful hope of the resurrection that he has given us, and a time when death will be a thing of the past. We find this hope at 1 Corinthians 15:55 where it says “death where is your victory.. death where is your sting” The bible has many promises like this that give us hope of a much better life. I hope that you can find a measure of comfort from the hope found in the bible.
Stephanie Best Cooper says
Jeanette was such a kind, remarkable, hard working, beautiful and fun-loving spirit to all who knew her. It was my pleasure to have known her. She will be missed. My sympathy to her famLei. Cherish and reflect upon the memories you have.
Vonnie Becker says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Angel and Danny, and each of you for your loss. Heaven has opened its gates to a beautiful woman with a heart of gold! Our loved ones live on in the memories we cherish …
Bill&DeniceHedges says
Our love and prayers go out to the entire Famlei during this difficult time. May God wrap His arms around you all as you walk together thru the coming days. Jeanette was a wonderful person to have in Ashland working to better the area for everyone. Keep the memories close to your hearts always.
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
To all the Famlei. so sorry to hear about Jeanette. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you. May your memories help you in the coming days and weeks. RIP Jeanette.
Carrie Braine says
Debbie, Johnny, Angel and Jayme my prayers are with you during this time. My deep condolences to each of you and all your famLei. Your Mama was one of a kind. Hugs and much love to you…
Veda says
She was a sweet, gentle, soul. R.I.P. Jeanette, you will be miss by so many.
jane Thompson says
I met Jeanette at Powder Lanes many years ago.. always enjoyed her company…Beautiful lady!!
Duane and Jane says
So sorry for your loss!! Sending thoughts and prayers!!
JT and Marla Martin says
Condolences to the famlei
Mike & Janice Grinyer says
Our community has lost a wonderful neighbor- every visit to the Lei Ranch included Jeannette’s plentiful stories about her children & grandchildren & great grandbabies – she certainly left a legacy of love that will be reflected in her Famlei for many generations. Our most humblest condolences; she will be sorely missed by all.
Mick and Jo Brady says
Johnny, Deb and famLei, Hold your memories close. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Pat (Keeley) Balkenbush says
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jeannette. Our sympathies are extended to her very large and loving family. My parents, the late Bob & Eula Keeley, of Otter, MT, were long-time neighbors and friends of both Jeannette and Jim. We visited them many times, and shared several suppers when my husband and I were in the area, which was usually annually. I loved hearing about their lives ‘in the country’ – it was fascinating to me. My mother spoke very kindly of Jeannette, and spent lots of time with her where they could talk about their very similar backgrounds, and owning their own salons. Sending hugs, especially to Jayme, who kept us all updated on her parents via Facebook. We are thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences.
Justin Blankenship says
Lie family, God bless all of you I’m so sorry you have to go through this loss in your family Jeanette was probably one of the best ladies I’ve ever been around one of the best cooks come dinner time for a bunch of cowboys on the ranch I haven’t got to see her much last few years but I always will remember her growing up on Otter Creek and neighboring you,her warm loving and big heart I know she’s with Jim now in a very very happy place again God bless you all
Jim and Rita Alderman & Family says
What a wonderful lady! We’re so sorry to hear of her passing, just now. Her and Jim were the perfect couple with a love for each other that was and will continue to be an inspiration and guide for all couples to follow, words cannot express the respect and admiration I will always have of them both. God bless them and their memory and the truly wonderful family left behind. Please don’t let this beautiful love story go untold, Love To All Jim and Rita and Family